Overview & Reviews

Lincoln is an automaker with a long history of building upscale vehicles for the American market. A division of Ford, Lincoln differentiates its vehicles through additional luxury features, more powerful engines and unique styling. The automaker's lineup includes cars, pickups and SUVs.

The company was established in 1917 by Henry Leland, an automotive parts manufacturer who had previously founded the Cadillac brand. He named the company after his boyhood hero: the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln. Early Lincoln models include the L Series and the K Series. The company quickly hit dire straits, however, and was bought by Ford Motor Company in 1922.

Lincoln had found its niche in the luxury-car segment by the 1930s, riding high with the likes of Cadillac as a purveyor of premium status-mobiles. The 1936 model year saw Lincoln's launch of the popular Zephyr. The car's name and styling were inspired by the sleek lines of the Burlington Zephyr, a diesel-powered express train that boasted record-setting speed. The car was a big hit for Lincoln; at one point, nearly 80 percent of all Lincolns sold were Zephyrs.

The '40s also saw the rise of the glamorous Continental. The vehicle's development was shepherded by Edsel Ford, son of Ford's founder Henry Ford. After World War II, Lincoln maintained its premium status with vehicles like the Mark II and the '60s-era Continentals, which gained fame through their "suicide-style" rear doors and use as U.S. presidential limousines. The Continental Mark III luxury coupe rolled out in 1968 and by the late '60s, more than 1 million Continentals had been built.

The 1970s saw the launch of the Mark IV as well as a new Lincoln, the Versailles. The Versailles was the first midsize sedan from the marque, and right from the start, it missed the mark with the public. The Versailles was based on the Ford Granada platform, and many blamed its failure on its obvious similarity to its less exclusive -- and less expensive -- twin.

In 1981, Lincoln released its now iconic Town Car, the full-size luxury sedan that has since served as the marque's flagship. Though its moniker had been used to designate trim levels in previous years, 1981 was the year in which the Town Car came into existence as an individual model. Lincoln also distinguished itself during these years as the first American car line to offer antilock braking. The Mark series continued to evolve, and shrunk down considerably with the debut of the Mark VI. That velvet-lined cruiser was followed mid-decade by the Mark VII, which was more European in nature and could even be powered by a BMW turbodiesel engine.

The '90s saw the debut of the Mark VIII, which featured a four-cam V8 and air suspension. By this time, sport-utility vehicles had emerged as a segment to be reckoned with, and Lincoln made the most of this trend by launching its very first SUV, the Ford Expedition-based Navigator, for 1998. Bedecked in chrome and fitted with plush leather and luxury features galore, the massive truck was a breakout hit.

The new millennium marked the debut of the Euro-flavored, midsize LS sedan that shared much of its platform with Jaguar's S-Type sedan. More recently, Lincoln has dropped the long-lived Town Car and updated its lineup with the MKS and MKZ sedans as well as the MKX crossover SUV in hopes of attracting a new generation of consumers. Some of its offerings fall short of the competition in areas such as performance and refinement. Still, the marque is a favorite of car buyers seeking a generous dose of all-American luxury.

User Reviews:

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  Safe, Reliable and BIG - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mrs. Ro - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I thought I could never get used to being so high off the ground and never fit into a parking space again. Turns out, the opposite is true. This is an exceptional vehicle. The ride is very smooth, its fantastic in the snow and its luxurious. The only downside is the gas mileage.

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  Surprisingly Good - A Functional Fashion Statement - 2014 Lincoln MKT
  By skbmichigan - October 16 - 5:30 am

  Was initially looking at Land Rover RR Sport. But while that was a better car (amazing handling and style) the MKT was an elegant and less expensive alternative. Packed with technology (adaptive cruise, cooled seats front/rear) and I really like the style - its elegant and stands out (not sure why critics dont like styling). Some elements reveal that the platform is based on a family car (e.g. old fashioned foot operated parking brake, no front parking sensors even on top level model). Great power with 365 hp V6 and interior style with two rows of bucket seat is great.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bill H. - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealer to buy a Fusion or Milan, but loved the MKZ as soon as I saw it. The interior is beautiful, the engine is strong and it has all the options of a much more expensive car. I have been on several road trips and have found it to be a very comfortable ride and the gas mileage is better than average. Overall, I love almost everything about my new Lincoln as does everyone who takes a close enough look at it. Great job on this one Ford!!

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  Theater top town car - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Gary oMalley - October 10 - 4:08 am

  This car has a theater half top that gives it a distinctive look

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  My Navigator - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Bob Drake - September 3 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned nine saburbans and one Expidition over the years I was in business. The handling and comfort is far superior to the other vehicles. The Expidition was close. I see where Ford is building a vehical similar to the suburban, I would be interested if Lincoln would also build one similar to the Cadilac Escalade XL.

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  Wanted one for a while. Finally got it. - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Caleb - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 84 Grand Marquis and it made me love big cars but knew the town car was the top dog in luxury cars so I wanted a Town car. Finally bought this 97 a couple weeks ago and I love it! Im 22 and everybody makes fun of me but I love it. So comfortable,plenty of power, and gets over 23mpg. It has tons of awesome features my 04 mustang dont even have. I stopped at a store yesterday and when I came out the car was smoking. Apparently the intake manifold malfunctioned and anti-freeze was everywhere. Seeing its a common problem Im not too upset. I just hope it dont cost too much to fix so I can get it back on the road and enjoy it some more.

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  my 03 navigator, - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By hapaschold - August 29 - 2:00 am

  overall my 03 navigator is a vast improvement over previous models, an 1999 and 2001.. couple issues, but minor, - power mirrors do not function properly - climate control seats seem to have timer, works only 12-14 minutes - arm rests would be nice added feature - black brake dust on rims is never ending since new, very hard to clean

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  My Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Flatlander - August 27 - 8:00 am

  I love this car. It rides like it is floating, bumps are hardly felt. On our trip last year we had 28 MPG overall. I want a new Town Car but I only have 23000 miles on this one, so I will wait a few more years.

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  5 years and still loving it - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Cory - August 24 - 8:36 pm

  Probably one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. I have driven this 03 for five years now with no serious problems. Has plenty of horsepower and has handled well in all weather conditions. A few small maintenance issues such as a faulty door or lift gate sensor that has the vehicle thinking a door is open (dome light stays on) and a reverse sensor is out. Ive owned foreign vehicles that have had less maintenance visits to the dealership but none of them have matched the comfort, styling and overall driving experience. Would like to see better gas mileage but what do you expect for an AWD SUV?

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  98 Lincoln Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By guitar man - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 98 continental in late 99 ,as it come off lease, with 37,000 miles. Just surpassed 71,000 miles with little trouble. Today, just picked up the car at dealership after 65,000 commplete service, ($1,000). Still some popping underneath the car, that was not repaired at the dealership.